FHI stands for Federation Het Instrument and was founded in 1956 to organize its own fair for instrumentation. The value of measurements is clear from the start.
I think every right-thinking person knows that without the instrumentation, sensors or test technology (it doesn't matter what you call something, I think) you don't have functioning applications. Without measuring and control technology no factory works, without a network of sensors no car drives and without KWh meters you do not know what energy you use.
Measurements reflect the truth in data.
So let's not cloud these kinds of statements with 'alternative facts', 'but can you trust such a measurement?' or 'lies, damned lies and statistics'. Of course, the principles have to be correct, calibrations have to be done and you have to compare instruments with each other. That's what engineers want from the start, because they just want to make things work.
If we have been discussing nitrogen deposition, climate change and air pollution for a number of years, I wonder why the complexity of these discussions is not better accommodated with the clarity of measurements, analyzes and conclusions?
A few years ago I was allowed to follow presentations in Delft about research by scientists, who were divided from the first slide into 'believers' and 'non-believers' with regard to climate change. That's funny in my opinion. We have believed in the rational truth of research for several centuries, but apparently some people believe one side more than the other.
If you hear that there are 43 RIVM measuring locations that measure nitrogen oxide in the air, then you will probably also be interested to know that Max Verstappen's racing car contains approximately 1,500 sensors. Then I would also guess that an average chemical factory uses a few more instruments to ensure that everything runs safely and effectively.
You can also simply measure to use expertise for the greater good.
Paul Petersen, director of FHI
Nederlands